ICE agent hit by vehicle, fires gun as suspect flees in NJ

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent was injured and fired his weapon after being struck by a fleeing suspect's vehicle in southern New Jersey on Monday morning. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Route 72 near Mermaid Drive in the Manahawkin section of Stafford Township.

According to the Stafford Township Police Department, the agent was attempting to apprehend a suspect when the individual fled in a vehicle, hitting the officer. The agent then fired his gun at the vehicle as it sped away, with police reporting that the vehicle was struck by gunfire. The suspect successfully fled the scene, and it remains unclear whether that person was injured. The extent of the ICE agent's injuries is also unknown, though one law enforcement source indicated the officer is expected to recover.

Local police emphasized they were not involved in the federal operation, citing New Jersey's statewide Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. A police statement clarified that the department's role was limited to managing traffic and securing the crime scene. The ongoing investigation into the shooting is being...